At this week’s City Council Committee of the Whole meeting, City Manager Randy Bukas recommended raising the salaries of both the Mayor (part-time position) and City Clerk (full-time position). In a memo sent to the Council on Friday, September 11, Mr. Bukas stated “I have been asked to review the salaries of elected officials and determine what the salaries should be for the next 4 years.” The City Council has until November 7, 2020, to set salaries for these elected officials.
According to Bukas, the last time the Mayor’s salary was set it was first decreased for the first year, then increased by .05% each following year.. The amount of the first-year decrease was not specified. This time around Manager Bukas is recommending that the Mayor’s salary be increased by 1% each year, choosing not to decrease it for the first year. If the ordinance establishing this increase is passed, the Mayor’s salary will be as follows:
- May 1, 2021= $28,195
- May 1, 2022= $28,475
- May 1, 2023= $28,760
- May 1, 2024= $29,050
Bukas recommends the same increase for the City Clerk, 1% each year. He also recommends a stipend of $2,500 for achieving the Illinois Municipal Clerk Association Certificate. If passed, the City Clerk’s salary will be as follows:
- May 1, 2021= $56,000
- May 1, 2022= $56,560
- May 1, 2023= $57,125
- May 1, 2024= $57,700
There was little discussion about this, however two Council members gave brief comments. Peter McClanathan stated, “1% is pretty reasonable,” and Art Ross remarked, “This is well deserved.”
Further discussion of this issue was moved to the next regular City Council meeting on Monday, September 21.
As always, The Voice of Freeport will be in attendance and will bring you updates as we continue to follow this story.
This report was brought to you by Nick Nunez our City Hall correspondent.
They are already overpaid for the work they get done!
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